I guess it's possible but I can't find any evidence of the story of the girl writing to Michael Debakey. RFTH seems to have a fondness for urban legends. Makes you wonder. - Erik

Erik - I haven't researched the letter to see if it was really sent or whatever, but I think it's irrelevant. The rest of the description about love is right on. The letter, whether real or made up, is just a reference used to lead in to the message.

I read this blog everyday, but this is my first comment. You always leave skeptical comments, questioning almost everything written here and in the bible. I assume you're a non-beleiver. And if I'm wrong, please forgive me. But for a non-believer, you seem really concerned about what's written here and in the bible. Are you worried about something? - Adam

I Love you Eric! Why.. because Jesus loves you! - Stephen

Comment to Eric: you dont need to find the letter from the girl, the answers are all in the greatest book of life the Bible. makes you wonder how little faith we have by wanting and seeking tangible proof. faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we DO NOT see. - Roxie

Quote from Adam: "The letter, whether real or made up, is just a reference used to lead in to the message."
Yes, and that's what the early church fathers said when they were putting together the New Testament.
Quote from Roxie: "faith is being sure of what we hope for"
Besides being a garbled recitation of Hebrews 11:1, that statement is very telling. - Erik

erik, your comments are very telling too. they tell of a very troubled soul who has found what he is searching for but is too proud to admit it. - sherry

Erik: You say "I guess it's possible...", but then come out and assume that the story is an urban legend. Other than a lack of corroboration, which I assume was an Internet search on your part, you have no more evidence that it is not true than I have that it is true. I actually think that if were an urban legend, it would be easier to confirm than a true story. Bryant's an avid reader. For all we know, it was in a book he read, not something off the Internet or in a chain email.

Maybe it is true, maybe it's not. But, come on, whether it is or not that anecdote is true has nothing to do with the veracity of manuscripts written over 2,000 years ago. - Rick Y

Thanks for the gratuitous insult, Sherry.
- Erik

The fact that Christ died for all of our sins is the greatest act of love that has ever been commited. I love him but he loved me over 2000 yrs ago. Eric, one day I pray you will accept this love that Christ shed for you. - Jerry Barrett

Rick- it's certainly possible the story is true, but I'm just viewing it in the light of all BW's past devotions that were based on well-known urban legends. As for what that has to do with the Bible- how do you think it got written? People hear a good story and they add a little and pass it on. I don't think folks were any less gullible 2000 years ago than they are now. - Erik

i rest my case. - sherry

Erik, I thought you were gone, and I have missed your skeptical comments. Reminds me of someone...

As a nurse I had the privilege to witness something. A family man in his 30's was clearly waiting in our rehab for a long shot miracle that he might receive a heart transplant. A teenager died in a car crash, and this man was notified he would receive that young man's heart. He was alone in a dark hall. Tears were streaming down his cheeks. "I'm crying for that boy and for his family. I can't believe it, I was expecting to die, but now I have another chance. I don't deserve this, I wouldn't take it, I'm ashamed, but my wife and 3 kids would never understand. Why did that boy die? Why should I benefit?"

This is no urban legend, I was there. He had his surgery and got his second chance at life. He seemed very committed to make that new life count.

That's what Jesus is about. We don't deserve it, and we're all dying and we need a second chance at life, eternal life, in Him. Guess what? It really does happen, and not just for a physical lifetime, but forever.

Ask for the faith to believe, He can even do that miracle, too. He did it for me :-) Best Wishes! - marti mastbrook

Most of us will never know nor comprehend how much Christ and God love us. The human mind cannot compute "infinite love". - Kevin

It was just a bit different then, Erik. They didn't have the Internet, where urban legends can be transmitted to millions over the course of a few days. Verbal transmission was the norm. The early creeds were quickly circulated, when the details could have been countered or challenged. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 is a good example, where Paul is repeating back what he was told when he visited with the disciples in Jerusalem after his conversion. Scholars date these creeds back to just a few years after the resurrection, and are generally in agreement from the content and textual change that Paul is quoting an early creed. The Gospels and letters of the new testament were also very close to the events, especially relative to other historical documents. It would be like someone writing about the Reagan presidency today.

There is enough evidence that God exists, and that Jesus is who the bible claims he is for those who seek him with an open heart. It is your choice, though. I did not grow up in church like many, and did not commit my life to Christ until I was in my twenties. I felt the tug of the Holy Sprit pulling me along, but I still reasoned through the evidence. It was not blind faith. Other skeptics have done the same. I pray that you will follow that path. - Rick Y

Erik, Your ambition will lead you to be known as a true urban legend. You keep people thinking and praying and wondering what you will come up with next. God bless you in your unique position that keeps pushing us to grow in Bible knowledge. It is interesting to see how God achieves His goals despite opposition. - Janice

So you're saying that verbal transmission over many years time, and with no way of checking facts is more reliable than what we have now? - Erik

a love song to share...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afHLdc8Ibhg - vivian

What a great story Marti!

Erik, come on - "verbal transmission"- you've got a lot to learn about the history of the Bible. For people like you, Jesus could have filmed His entire life in HD and you'd still reject Him.
Evidence for the existence of God is everywhere. However, it is mankind's desire for autonomy that causes us to reject his message of love and grace. - Austin

Austin- I'm just referring to Rick's point about "verbal transmission." Are you saying the Gospels did not arise from oral tradition? - Erik

Erik - oh, I see now. I though you were talking about something else. - Austin

Eric- my recitation was definately not garbled but I certainly hope, for your sake, that you are just playing devils advocate with all these comments. - Roxie